When it comes to designing your patio, the choice between smooth and textured pavers is more than just a matter of taste—it's about creating a harmonious balance between functionality, aesthetics, and the existing elements of your outdoor space.
Related: What to Look for in Patio Pavers for Sterling Heights, MI, Outdoor Living Spaces
What to Consider when Selecting Pavers
There are many factors to consider when choosing between smooth and textured pavers for patios, pool decks, walkways, or other hardscapes. First, let’s consider:
Visual texture
Horizontal vs. vertical elements
Functionality and safety
Contrast & harmony
The Importance of Visual Texture
Visual texture plays a significant role in the overall feel of your patio. For instance, a patio made of small bricks—even if they're smooth—creates a lot of visual texture due to the scale of the pavers. This can either contribute to a dynamic look or, conversely, create an overly busy appearance.
So it’s a great idea to get high-quality renderings created before finalizing your design.
It's generally advisable to avoid pairing highly textured pavers with similarly textured walls, as this can lead to an excessively rustic look. Similarly, completely smooth surfaces might risk looking too sterile.
The key is to expertly combine material, scale, and landscape to achieve the exact visual texture you desire. This is where a great landscape designer can be incredibly helpful.
Balancing Horizontal and Vertical Elements
One key to a successful patio design is ensuring that ground pavers don't compete with the vertical elements of your space.
Whether you prefer boldly contrasting textures or subtler differences, the combination of horizontal and vertical surfaces should be visually pleasing. Each plane should complement the other without dominating the scene.
For example: the modern design aesthetic often leans toward sleek, smooth textures underfoot, particularly in contrast to more textured vertical surfaces like retaining walls and outdoor kitchens. However, this trend isn't a hard-and-fast rule.
If you're drawn to the rustic charm of flagstone or bluestone, with their uneven textures, you can still achieve a modern look. Pairing textured pavers with minimally textured or smooth vertical elements can create a balanced, natural feel.
Functionality and Safety: Choosing Non-Slip Pavers
Safety is paramount, especially in areas like outdoor kitchens, pool decks, walkways, and the like. Pavers in these spaces should ideally be non-slip, even when wet.
Interestingly, this doesn't necessarily mean that your selected patio materials must be textured. Some smooth pavers come with a slight pebbled texture that provides surprising grip. Consult with your landscaping contractor to find brands that offer smooth yet non-slip options.
Read More: Outdoor Lounge Ideas
Creating Contrast and Harmony
Texture choices significantly impact the look and feel of your outdoor space. And it’s important to consider how the textures you choose relate to those of your home.
You might opt for textured pavers against a smooth-textured home or vice versa. But keep in mind that while a bit of contrast can create depth and dimension, it's important not to overdo it.
Many classic or rustic designs favor textured stones, while modern outdoor living spaces tend to incorporate smooth, sleek materials. But texture still has its place; it can prevent the area from looking bland.
Choosing Pavers for Specific Areas
Selecting the right pavers means balancing aesthetics, functionality, and the existing elements of your outdoor space. So it’s important to consider the unique needs of the space you’re designing. For example:
Choosing Smooth or Textured Pavers for a Patio:
Patio pavers are an aesthetic choice, but safety is important as well. So consider use. Textured or slip-resistant pavers can be essential in frequently wet areas like poolscapes, but they are equally important on patios and walkways.
However, non-slip pavers are not limited to heavily textured or rough surfaces. Even smooth pavers can have a non-slip finish! So talk with a hardscape expert who can learn your needs and guide you well.
For more on smooth or textured patio pavers, check out these articles:
Selecting Pavers for an Outdoor Kitchen:
An outdoor kitchen is a high-traffic area that requires substantial flooring that can withstand food and beverage spills, household chemicals, and of course, plenty of use. Textured pavers may help with slippage in flooring, but smooth pavers may be great aesthetic choices for walls and above-ground surfaces.
For more on outdoor kitchen paver selection, check out:
How do the Pros Select Smooth or Textured Pavers?
Many professional considerations are outlined above, but a real expert won’t provide canned responses. They will listen first and suggest later, making sure they understand your unique needs and desires before recommending finely crafted solutions well suited to your outdoor-living goals.
For more on how the pros choose pavers, check out:
Paver Style Ideas
Casual Environments:
For a relaxed vibe, consider pavers with a pronounced flagstone texture. This style can look particularly stunning at sunset, adding a warm, inviting feel to the space.
Elegant Spaces:
To add sophistication, choose smoother pavers in neutral colors. These lend an air of elegance and are perfect for more formal outdoor settings.
Contemporary and Modern Landscapes:
Opt for sleek pavers with a smooth texture and clean lines. While you can be adventurous with color, ensure it complements the hues of the surrounding masonry, for a cohesive look.
Getting Started with Smooth or Textured Pavers & More
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